While the Bruins hardly sent shock waves through the NHL with the free-agent addition of Michael Ryder, something else has to be remembered about the Boston roster as the offseason wears on.

The Bruins will be getting Patrice Bergeron and Manny Fernandez back for the start of the 2008-09 season.

Isn't that like adding two key players? And to a team that came on at the end of last season and almost pulled off the playoff comeback against the Canadiens?

In a word, yes.

Bergeron is the club's No. 2 center and one of its young leaders. His season ended last Oct. 27 after a hit from behind into the boards by Philadelphia's Randy Jones. Bergeron was close to returning late in that playoff round and may well have played had the Bruins continued; but as things worked ...More